The A List 2011

C&IT's search for the best agency talent aged 35 and under is now in its third year, and many of this year's A Listers were nominated for demonstrating excellence in client projects, for corporates including Yahoo Europe, Hertz, Mercedes-Benz and Xerox. Meet this year's A List...

 

 

NATASHA SCHOFIELD, 24

Adding Value

Project director

Nominated for: Tina Morris, Adding Value managing director of events, says: "She really is 'one to watch'. During the past year, Natasha has worked on a number of projects, including BT Shine An Audience With, at the BBC, and the Peugeot National Business Meeting at the ICC Birmingham. Natasha worked across production and logistics on both projects, demonstrating an impressive understanding of both functions, a quality that should stand her in good stead."

My best event moment: The pinnacle was the BT Shine event I ran last July. Working with Al Murray and Strictly stars, and getting 180 knickerbocker glories out of the kitchen on cue was amazing. My worst event moment: Falling flat on my face while leading Richard Hammond to the stage. He thought it was hilarious. I was 19, and nervous.

Favourite venue: The Hemisferic in Valencia. It's part of the city's art complex and an interesting and gorgeous building. I organised a breathtaking gala dinner there.

Dream incentive: Buenos Aires - it has culture with real elegance, so it is great for high-end trips.

Goals before 40: Learn a new language, ideally Spanish, and make sure I've travelled to every continent in the world; and to be in a senior role in a creative agency.

 

CHARLIE BIRKETT, 24

AOK Events

Operations executive

Nominated for: "Charlie is a very accomplished event organiser and has an absolute can-do attitude to anything we throw at her. From day one she has had a thirst to be thrown in at the deep end and didn't want to be mollycoddled," says Alex Hewitt, AOK managing director.

My best event moment: The Pet Shop Boys playing at MSN's 15th anniversary event stands out. It was on the same day as the student riots, which meant that some of our suppliers couldn't cross London Bridge to reach us.

My worst event moment: Carrying sofas across Waterloo Bridge for the MSN event. It was a low point we reached in the midst of an event high point.

Favourite venue: The Roof Gardens in Kensington - it has it all.

Dream incentive: There are several activities I would like to tie in to an event. I would love to swim with dolphins so would try and integrate this. It would also be great to get David Beckham involved in an event. Organising a safari in South Africa is also a dream of mine.

Goals before 40: I would like to own my own events company and it would be great to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

 

SHIRI KOREN, 34

Banks Sadler

Account director

Nominated for: "Shiri oversees a variety of accounts from numerous sectors - each with their own requirements and challenges. Her excellent and proactive client relationship skills have been instrumental in further developing these accounts while her infectious personality makes her an integral part of the wider Banks Sadler team," says Leigh Jagger, Banks Sadler chief executive.

My best event moment: Managing a gala dinner for 500 incentive winners at the Monte Carlo Sporting Club, and watching them be entertained by Dame Shirley Bassey.

My worst event moment: Finding myself locked in a secure, staff-only area at Boston Logan International Airport. My colleague and I got into a lift with an airport worker, got out at the same floor as him and then realised we were stuck as we did not have a security pass. We tried the only door there, which was alarmed and opened onto the tarmac. So we had a security escort on to the plane.

Favourite venue: The Rainbow Rooms in New York. Sadly it is closed at the moment but it has stunning views of the city.

Dream incentive: I would have loved to charter Concorde for an incentive group.

Goals before 40: Build our accounts while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

 

CHRIS TOWNSEND, 31

BI Worldwide

Aviation manager

Nominated for: "His constant dedication. Chris has to keep his eye on the ball for complex events, have an awareness of costs and leverage best fares for our clients," explains Mark Taylor, head of events, BI Worldwide.

My best event moment: Working on an incentive trip in Dubai for ADT and seeing one of those big surprise moments for the delegates. Their managing director rode in on a camel and led them over a hill to a Bedouin feast.

My worst event moment: Nationwide Airways going bust three days before a group of 60 delegates from Prudential were due to head to South Africa and fly with the airline from Johannesburg to Livingstone. The client had to use a charter airline instead.

Favourite venue: The Virgin Atlantic Lounge at Heathrow. It is innovative,and functional. There's even a small event space and terrace.

Dream incentive: A best of the best Monaco Grand Prix trip: helicopter transfers, rooms at L'Hermitage, welcome drinks with one of the F1 drivers, and pit passes for qualifying.

Goals before 40: I would like to grow the aviation team and personally I'd like to go snowboarding in the US and Canada.

 

CLEMMIE STANLEY, 25

Black Tomato

Senior account manager

Nominated for: Black Tomato director Matt Smith says: "Clemmie's recent promotion to senior account manager makes her our youngest employee to reach this job grade. She successfully led 18 international events last year, including a complex event in Hawaii, where every challenge possible, including a bush fire, was thrown her way but she managed to overcome them all."

My best event moment: In Turkey we took over a private gulet and travelled from Dalaman and along the coast of Bodrum. We stopped at ports along the way and took part in activities including white water rafting and mud baths. We got to know the delegates really well.

My worst event moment: During an event in Hawaii there was only one road for the plane to land on, which was closed. Our only option was to stay in a small, substandard hotel that wasn't acceptable. Eventually we decided to hire five helicopters, which we landed on the roof of the Four Seasons Resort Hawaii.

Favourite venue: The Hutong restaurant in Hong Kong, which has birdcages inside and you can watch the famous Symphony of Lights from the window.

Dream incentive: A city, then beach break. My colleague has one coming up in Bangkok.

Goals before 40: To run an event on every continent. I have Australia and Antarctica to go.

 

KATE DONOVAN, 31

BSI

Senior event manager

Nominated for: "Kate successfully delivered a number of high-profile projects for Tesco and Indesit during 2010. Her professionalism in the handling of group repatriation and putting crisis management plans into action during last year's volcanic ash crisis was second to none," says Liz Yates, director of operations - event services at BSI.

My best event moment: One of the first events I organised was a conference in Phuket, Thailand, and I remember sitting at my desk and looking out across the sea and thinking "this is what I want to do".

My worst event moment: I got stuck in Milan last April as a result of the ash cloud with 85 delegates from Indesit. When the air space closed we had to get them back by train. They thought I was over-reacting but when it was still closed a week later they were very grateful.

Favourite venue: Excel as a blank canvas space, but I'm also excited about the new Corinthia hotel in London.

Dream incentive: Argentina - Buenos Aires and the Iguazu Falls.

Goals before 40: To work on even more exciting and challenging events and personally to travel more, particularly to South America and Asia.

 

JEN MANTELL, 30

CI Events

Event director

Nominated for: "Jen joined us two years ago and has become one of our strongest event managers. She's now managing our largest incentive for our biggest client, and is truly valued by the team and clients. Jen is driven to take on a leadership role and we have no doubt she will achieve this," says Gloria Bretz, business manager at CI Events.

My best event moment: At the end of an incentive trip to Le Touessrok a guest said we had made her feel like she was walking on air all week. It was great to know we had made her feel so special.

My worst event moment: During the same trip we organised an African dinner with Bedouin tents and outside cooking. The heavens opened and the tent roofs sagged so much we were considering evacuating them.

Favourite venue: Pennyhill Park in Surrey and Reina nightclub in Istanbul.

Dream incentive: I would love to organise a winter wonderland event in Canada with activities such as husky dog racing and a mini Winter Olympics.

Goals before 40: To be an integral part of the management team at CI as we have big plans to expand the brand and it would be great to know I had been part of it. From a personal view, to find my picture-perfect country cottage.

 

ERIN ROBBERTS, 28

Corporate Innovations

Event manager

Nominated for: "Erin started as an event assistant after university and is now one of our best event managers. She has managed projects for Orange, Pepsico and 3 Mobile and is taking responsibility for managing our account development for brands such as Argos and Nationwide," explains David Watt, managing director of Corporate Innovations.

My best event moment: An incentive programme in the South of France at the Hotel Du Cap Eden Roc. It's the most fantastic place I've been to and it has an amazing infinity pool.

My worst event moment: We took a group of 87 store managers for 3 Mobile out to Las Vegas, but our four-day programme was delayed by a whole day. All we could do was take them to the bar. To make matters worse some of them were later questioned by immigration for a few hours.

Favourite venue: The Fairmont Le Montreux Palace in Switzerland. I've never met staff that are so helpful.

Dream incentive: To combine my love of exercise with a trip to New Zealand, including bungee jumping and hacking. I'd like to go further afield as a lot of our events are in Europe.

Goals before 40: To have a team of people to manage. I'd also like to run a marathon outside of the UK - maybe in New York so I can do a bit of shopping while I'm there.

 

SASHA WILFORD, 28

DBMT

Account manager

Nominated for: "Sasha joined DBMT as an account executive straight out of university in June 2006. We recognised that she had a natural flair for event organising. She has been integral to a number of pitches, clients love her and she is able to build relationships at all levels, from junior marketing executive to MD. She puts positive energy into everything she does," says DBMT managing director David Bottrill.

My best event moment: Definitely driving through the Tuscan countryside in a two-seat sports car with one of my automotive clients following the Mille Miglia. I had to pinch myself as I couldn't believe I was working.

My worst event moment: Being stuck on a Catamaran at nightfall in Costa Rica because the motor failed. Staff from our hotel had to wave fire sticks to guide us in to the bay. To top it off the boat crew asked if they could send round their tip pot.

Favourite venue: Carden Park to work with; Stapleford Park to stay in; and Disneyland Paris for the fun element, with lots of dining opportunities.

Dream incentive: A bush and beach trip to Africa or a trip to Japan during Sakura to see the cherry blossom.

Goals before 40: I hope that by the time I am 40 the learning curve is as steep as it is now. I'd also like to take more holidays.

 

EMMA SOUTHALL, 27

DRP

Project manager

Nominated for: "Emma has been with the DRP Group for four years and throughout this time she has developed into an outstanding and vital part of our team. Emma's clients trust her implicitly. They feel as if she is part of their own team due to her ability to put people at ease and to command trust and confidence from the outset," says Jane Jones, project management director at DRP.

My best event moment: It was the largest event I've worked on. It was at the NEC in Birmingham for 4,500 people, with one main room and two experience rooms - it was very interactive. Watching it come together on the day gave me a real sense of achievement, although it was quite nerve-wracking.

My worst event moment: Having to cancel an event two days before when we were up-to-the-knee in snow.

Favourite venue: The NEC in Birmingham - we have a great relationship with them and they're very flexible.

Dream incentive: South East Asia. I lived in Thailand for a while so I've experienced some wonderful trips; or somewhere really exclusive like Necker Island.

Goals before 40: I'd love to be in a creative role, managing events and to be well-known for what I do. I'd also love to do a charity challenge for a charity I hold in high esteem like the British Heart Foundation.

 

 

RACHAEL BARTLE, 26

Euro RSCG Skybridge

Account executive

Nominated for: "Rachael has been with the agency for over two years. She juggles many projects at once and has worked closely with our in-house team, clients and delegates, always receiving rave reviews. She has begun to take on accounts of her own and has already proved she can deliver excellent programmes," says Lori Stahl, Euro RSCG Skybridge group account director.

My best event moment: An automotive product launch I took part in immediately after I graduated from university. We were involved in the whole programme and the coverage as a result.

My worst event moment: The ash cloud last year, during which a group of our clients were due to fly back to the UK but couldn't. We had to use alternative transport, which we did and on budget.

Favourite venue: I like the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London, which opened last year. It is so flexible, the accommodation is good and the location is obviously also a big bonus.

Dream incentive: I would like to do a London trip for the royal wedding to show off what we have to offer. Apart from that, a surfing trip to South Africa would be great.

Goals before 40: I want my boss's job, or to have my own team or even my own company.

 

LUCY WHITLEY, 26

First Event

Operations executive

Nominated for: "Lucy is enthusiastic and popular and has been instrumental in the ongoing development of First Event. We have invested heavily in our digital services and this has been driven forward by Lucy. She retains a strong account portfolio of clients and her recent successes include an eight-day sales conference for 340 delegates in Cape Town," says Carolyn Spencer, operations director at First Event.

My best event moment: I managed to get 52 reluctant guests onto 52 reluctant donkeys in Marrakech for a Jeep Rally. It was emotional and rewarding seeing everyone get involved.

My worst event moment: My first ever incentive in Porta Banus with 13 boiler fitters. I took them all to local club Linekers. Fun was had but somehow I ended the night in the middle of the club with some guy's pants on my head.

Favourite venue: Purely for location and view, Essex House in New York is just amazing. Dream incentive: Something we haven't done is a winter event. I'd love to get involved with bobsleighing and skiing. I've just started snowboarding so it would also help in this area.

Goals before 40: I'd like to go to as many countries as possible. I love working for First Event so want to do well within the company. I'd also love to have a house with a garden and to learn to snowboard properly without ending up on my bum all the time.

 

CRAIG PUGH, 32

First Protocol

Account director

Nominated for: "There can be nothing more rewarding as an employer than to recruit a university graduate and to see them blossom into a senior event professional. To say our clients love Craig doesn't grasp the trust, value and respect that they show for him," says Mark Riches, managing director of First Protocol.

My best event moment: Organising the VIP hospitality for Mastercard during the World Cup final. It included a ticket to the match and we had Pele as a guest speaker. As a football fan it was a great event to work on.

My worst event moment: There haven't been many but there is one that sticks in my mind. Two of the three drivers of the shuttle buses booked to take 200 guests from a restaurant back to the hotel decided to go home so I was left with one bus and driver. The client never knew anything was wrong though.

Favourite venue: The Four Seasons in Provence. If I won the lottery I would go there while I worked out how to spend the money.

Dream incentive: It would probably involve a classic sports car and Tuscany.

Goals before 40: Professionally to have no limits and just keep pushing on. Privately, to own a seaside getaway with views, a hammock and no Blackberry signal.

 

JANE BAKER, 33

George P Johnson

Director, business development

Nominated for: "Jane represents the future of the industry: smart, driven and tenacious with an entrepreneurial spirit she applies to work and play," says GPJ vice-president, client services Lesley Mason. "She is always the first to volunteer for a challenge whether it's a building project in Tanzania or managing a last-minute pitch.

My best event moment: An 'after' party for an IT client's road show in 2008. It covered nine European cities in nine weeks, ending with a fancy dress party in Zurich for the team.

My worst event moment: On the same tour, in Rotterdam, one of the crew had an epileptic fit, fell off a stepladder and lost consciousness. I was the on-site first aider. He was okay but it was pretty scary and a reminder of the importance of health and safety.

Favourite venue: Excel London. We do a lot of large-scale conferences and exhibitions, such as Cisco Live, so it's lovely to do that in a London venue that's designed for it.

Dream incentive: An access-all-areas pass to the Olympics. I'm a horse rider so getting into the equestrian area would be a big deal.

Goals before 40: In my new role, to win new clients. I would like to join the management team of an agency and to travel more.

 

CHARLOTTE BOOTH, 34

Grass Roots

Project manager

Nominated for: "Charlotte has exhibited exceptional project and and people management skills and we are sure she is a talent to watch in the future," says Grass Roots operations manager Amanda Stranack. In January, Booth organised an event for Hertz and as lead project manager oversaw the event from its initial sign-off in early December to its full execution.

My best event moment: The four-day Hertz international franchise conference at Hedsor House in Buckinghamshire. We had seven weeks to pull it together, over Christmas, with worldwide attendees. We installed a temporary structure and had an 'urban dinner' with street dancers and a massive fireworks display.

My worst event moment: Coming down at 6am at a pharma conference to find that the 25 break-out rooms had not been set up for 8am meetings as promised. We woke up the hotel porters to show us where the stuff was and managed to do it ourselves.

Favourite venue: Pavillons de Bercy in Paris, a 17th-century wine storage facility turned into a funfair museum.

Dream incentive: Going to Thailand, or to Machu Picchu, using the Orient-Express.

Goals before 40: I'd like to visit Angkor Wat in Cambodia as for a long time you could not go. I'd also like to live in a different culture.

 

TORI HINTON, 28

Imagination

Travel manager

Nominated for: Managing delegate travel for Mazda Mirai 2010, a 6,000-delegate dealer conference held in Berlin over eight days in December. "With Mirai, Tori proved herself to be a truly proactive thinker, always three steps ahead. In the face of extremely adverse weather conditions, which resulted in the closure of numerous European airports, Tori remained calm throughout," explains Anthony Arrowsmith, client services director for Imagination's Mazda team.

My best event moment: Working in China on a two-week automotive ride and drive for dealers. It was my first time working in Asia. My worst event moment: A gala dinner drinks reception, where we realised half the delegates had been told it was black tie, and the other half smart casual.

Favourite venue: The Saatchi Gallery. It's a great blank canvas and you can just about get a car in there if you tip it sideways.

Dream incentive: I went on a fam trip to Vancouver a couple of years ago and haven't had a chance to put it into practice yet. I'd do a few nights in Vancouver and then drive to Whistler for skiing.

Goals before 40: I want to develop my career with Imagination - I like the idea of moving into the producing side. I'm doing my first bike ride at Easter - 400 miles to Amsterdam in four days. I only bought the bike recently so I'd love to get into cycling.

 

ALEC BRAUN, 29

Jack Morton

Senior experience designer

Nominated for: "Alec makes me seriously question my own skill set and brings a pleasing glow of enlightenment from such a charming, high-octane, low-maintenance, on-the-money guy," explains Tim Elliott, director of creative services, Jack Morton Worldwide

My best event moment: The Mayor of London's fireworks on New Year's Eve. I worked on it for three consecutive years from 2002 and it was the most memorable and enjoyable event I've worked on.

My worse event moment: I did a horrible job for a client in Egypt with an A-list celebrity. They had very different production levels and expectations.

Favourite venue: The Ministry of Sound. We worked with them on a CSR initiative for Channel 4 and the staff were amazing.

Dream incentive: So many incentive trips are to destinations that more often than not the delegates can afford to visit on holiday. I would build a structure in a forest in Norway and take people away from everything to a place where they can think differently.

Goals before 40: I want to be experience director at Facebook. Marketing is so geared towards how we can amplify things digitally and I think it will come back round so that face-to-face meetings will be more important than ever. Companies that are successful in the digital world now will come back to events and I want to be on the front line.

 

STUART GRAHAME, 29

Line Up

Content producer

Nominated for: "In the past 18 months Stuart has developed as one of our most imaginative content producers.He's successfully brought on board a number of his own clients and projects, and has a consistent talent for producing fresh and engaging content," says Rob Leach, managing director of Line Up.

My best event moment: Co-ordinating a live camera relay mix with support graphics for a three-day event in Munich.Offsite filming activities and post-event support material were co-ordinated without hiccup or error.

My worst event moment: Turning up to film outdoor activities in Kiruna, north Sweden completely under-estimating the the clothing need to stay warm. The temperature was -3C.

Favourite venue: Not being at the decision-making end of venues I'd have to say the 'unknown'.

Dream incentive: The first ever Formula One dressing room and pit lane incentive: sitting with Lewis Hamilton's crew watching the race unfold.

Goals before 40: In 2010 I completed my first half Ironman triathlon, so the next step is to conquer the full distance.And I hope I'll still be developing fresh ideas for content delivery.

 

KATIE KIDNER, 27

Lodestar

Producer

Nominated for: "Katie joined us in January 2010 and has worked closely with me on a number of events for clients including Centrica Energy. Most recently she was the main client contact for an energy roadshow and a successful event and debrief resulted in us being awarded more business," explains Phil Watton, managing director of Lodestar. My best event moment: When a client I'm working with at the moment asked us to run all their events. We went from running just two events a year for them to doing all their conferences, gala dinners and a trip to Amsterdam.

My worst event moment: There were four of us running a day conference and gala dinner in Bristol last year. Two colleagues got snowed in and another was sick so I had to run it by myself.

Favourite venue: The Bellagio in Las Vegas is amazing and the Boscolo in Nice, a real boutique venue, is another favourite.

Dream incentive: Onboard a luxury yacht for Mulberry, travelling to all the amazing towns along the French Riviera.

Goals before 40: I'd love to become a partner at Lodestar and build its high-end niche brands. On a personal level I want to train as a personal trainer.

 

GEMMA MORTIMORE, 29

Logistik

Account manager

Nominated for: "With two years of account management experience at Logistik, Gemma has excelled. As well as winning an internal award for consistently demonstrating the Logistik 'aura of excellence', she has also delivered a brilliant Asda internal communications campaign for 2010 while showing forward thinking and helping the client to set the strategy for 2011," says William Sutton, commercial director at Logistik.

My best event moment: Delivering the 2011 Year Beginning Meeting for one of our retail clients with a great team of colleagues.

My worst event moment: Running an away day for 150 people when all the toilets in the venue stopped working.

Favourite venue: Liverpool ACC

Dream incentive: A whistle-stop tour around the world.

Goals before 40: I would like to become an account director and manage my own team. I would also like to travel more.

 

 

 

 

MEL BENNETT, 27

Maximillion

Senior account manager

Nominated for: "Mel typifies the senior account manager and demonstrates rigour, creativity and resourcefulness in her event solutions, as well as a caring and attentive nature in her client dealings", says Maximillion director of operations Sarah Esslemont.

My best event moment: It is really satisfying at the end of any event to see it all come together and to be thanked personally by the client and delegates.

My worst event moment: At a networking event with suppliers and clients my dress got caught under my chair and, as I stood up, I went flying. Or at a conference when the chicken served at lunch was undercooked, which made everyone very uncomfortable about the choice of venue.

Favourite venue: Gleneagles is stunning and its new equestrian school is a fabulous blank canvas. Also The Grove for its choice of indoor and outdoor space so close to London.

Dream incentive: I would suggest South Africa because there are so many opportunities, from swimming with sharks and safaris, to balloon flights and a trip to Johannesburg.

Goals before 40: To get married, which I am doing this year in the Algarve; to deliver more large conferences and themed dinners; and perhaps set up a small C&I agency one day when we're out of the recession.

 

ZOE DANIELS, 30

MCI UK

Account manager

Nominated for: "Zoe has made a huge contribution to MCI's success over the past 12 months. Her commitment to helping to establish a new service provision for a global pharmaceutical client has been integral to the account and with an active demand for innovation and creativity, Zoe and one of our newest accounts, Yahoo Europe, are a natural match," says MCI UK senior account director Abby Wallace.

My best event moment: Organising a documentary film premiere in Italy in 2008 for 600 guests and seeing the success of it.

My worst event moment: Two senior staff at a company sales conference we had run left a £3,000 necklace and a passport behind at the hotel. We got one of the two items back.

Favourite venue: Villa Miani in Rome - it has a wonderful hilltop setting, the location and service are great and it's a good all-round venue.

Dream incentive: South Africa. We'd spend some time in Cape Town before going on safari. We have pitched it a few times but no one has taken us up on it yet.

Goals before 40: Professionally, I would love to work towards being a lead on a global account, which would be more strategy-led. Or, on the operational side I would love to be involved in a big event and lead a team on something like The Brits or the Olympic ceremonies.

 

CLAIRE COURTNEY, 30

Ovation

Account manager

Nominated for: "Claire has been working with us for over three years. She gets consistent, first-class feedback from each of her clients after running their programmes and has a really lovely demeanour - so calm and pleasant," says Aoife Delaney, Ovation Global DMC, regional director of sales for UK & Ireland.

My best event moment: When a particularly difficult client is thrilled with the event; and getting that appreciation after a demanding build-up is great.

My worst event moment: Following the plane crash at Cork Airport I had to get 250 delegates, who had been at an event in Killarney, home. We didn't find out about alternative airports until very early on the day they were due to travel. It was a sleepless night waiting for information from our transport provider.

Favourite venue: Number 10 in Dublin, a privately owned Georgian house; and Dublin Castle is also stunning.

Dream incentive: A trip to Inish Turk Beg, a private island off the West Coast of Ireland. It is so remote with beautiful accommodation and a swimming pool. Or I'd like to put together a programme for Richard Branson.

Goals before 40: I would like to have children. I would also like to run my own business and to be the very best I can be in my career.

 

NADINE RAKEWITZ, 33

Oxford Inetrnational

Account manager

Nominated for: "Nadine has the unique ability to combine logic, common sense and creative talent with an exceptional commitment to make every project the best for her clients. She is an inspiring mentor to her colleagues and a significant asset to the company," says John Walker, managing director of Oxford International.

My best event moment: Every time an event has run smoothly and everyone is going back happy and with a new experience and greater knowledge.

My worst event moment: I was running an event in Miami in February 2010 and a snowstorm was affecting the area around Washington and New York. Many of my speakers and about half my delegates were stuck there. We had to try and re-route others so they could still attend the meeting and the speakers had to present via phone and Webex.

Favourite venue: The Axica in Berlin - a stunning venue next to the Brandenburg Gate.

Dream incentive: A cowboy-themed programme in the Australian outback.

Goals before 40: To travel the world and to work on types of events that I haven't yet experienced.

 

PIA ZEYSS, 30

P&MM

Event manager

Nominated for: "Pia moved to P&MM two years ago and is one of our brightest stars. She has never received anything less than exemplary feedback, even when faced with leading on one of the most challenging events ever operated by P&MM. She has been instrumental in helping the account direction team keep and grow their accounts," says Chris Clarke, director of events.

My best event moment: A charity event I ran for Breast Cancer Care three years ago on top of my normal job. It was at Madame Tussauds for 350 people. We had street dancers, a magician and an auction, and we raised about £20,000.

My worst event moment: Having just ten weeks to plan an event for 3,000 people coming from 15 countries. Also, at one car launch when a delegate was pulled over by police for speeding and I had to go and rescue him.

Favourite venue: Madame Tussauds, because we've had such good events there. Also, the Praia Cafe outside Lisbon.

Dream incentive: Something in Asia using different methods of transport such as the Orient-Express, trekking and tuk tuks.

Goals before 40: To visit 100 countries, to become a meeting and events travel writer and to win Masterchef.

 

CLAIRE EVE, 25

Seventeen Events

Event executive

Nominated for: Seventeen Events managing director Andrew Williams says: "Claire is someone who has shown huge aptitude in the events she has managed to date and is capable of growing into a leading light of our industry. Her work last year on the Start Garden Party we managed for The Carbon Trust is a tremendous example - incorporating a keen creative eye with a clear commercial focus."

My best event moment: Assisting Colin Firth in handing out trophies on stage at the Observer Ethical Awards was a highlight. Also, managing an event for a tequila brand at a Shoreditch bar in London. The venue needed sprucing up so we brought inreusable wallpaper and transformed the space - the client loved it.

My worst event moment: The goody bag scrum at some events we run: when we're down to the last few it gets a bit manic.

Favourite venue: I love the V&A and the House of St Barnabas - elegant and sophisticated spaces.

Dream incentive: An incentive programme that's sustainable - taking the Eurostar to Paris, for example. It's about showing people what you can do while being sustainable.

Goals before 40: I'd like to look back and see a more responsible events industry - if I have something to do with that I'll be happy. Personally, to see more of the world, and to achieve some better break-dance moves.

 

KAREN SWIFT, 32

Sledge

Senior account manager

Nominated for: Being responsible for a 'radically different concept event' for a major pharmaceutical company last year. "Karen was instrumental in coming up with the concept that was recognised throughout the organisation. She is a great asset and a consummate professional," says Sledge chief executive Nic Cooper.

My best event moment: Coming up with a radically different concept event for marketers at a major pharmaceutical company last year. The event was repeated throughout the year, winning an internal marketing excellence award and being held up as best in class globally.

My worst event moment: During the recent snow storms we were holding an event in a country estate manor down a long drive. We were considering cancelling up until midnight the day before but luckily the snow subsided. Another time, a well-known, 'wacky' comedian did a half-hour sketch that was blue to say the least - not to everyone's taste.

Favourite venue: The Minack Theatre in Cornwall, an amphitheatre near Land's End.I'm a trained actress and dancer, and I've performed there. It would be an amazing place to hold an event and it's near the Eden Project.

Dream incentive: It would need to incorporate world travel - perhaps the Galapagos Islands.

Goals before 40: To continue what I am doing. I'd like to be running my own company, similar to Sledge, working alongside creative people and pushing the experiential side of events.

 

LYN GRAVETT, 32

Smyle

Event producer

Nominated for: Smyle managing director Rick Stainton says: "Lyn has been a shining light over the last few years and developed rapidly into a senior member of the events team, managing large-scale projects for key clients including ITV, Juniper Networks and, most recently, Thomson Reuters in Hong Kong."

My best event moment: In my early career I ran a Viacom team-building day at Down Hall Country House Hotel in Hertfordshire - guests really got into it and it was a real rush. They made 'rockumentary' pop videos that we edited and screened during dinner.

My worst event moment: A family fun day where one of the catering staff turned out to be an evangelical preacher - he got a microphone and started preaching to the crowd. I had to wrench him off the stage.

Favourite venue: I love the history and romance of stately homes such as Blenheim Palace. Dream incentive: An incredible chalet experience in St Moritz, with fantastic food festivals.

Goals before 40: I'd love to be involved in a large-scale theatrical musical like the Take That tour. I would also like to pass my knowledge on and manage a larger team.

 

DAN BLAKE, 32

TBT

Programme director

Nominated for: Managing a pan-EMEA sales enablement, education and motivation programme in six languages for a global IT client. "Dan was elevated to programme director in 2009 and now works closely with the client to ensure its continued development and success," says TBT managing director Pete Saunders.

My best event moment: My first major incentive trip abroad to Dubai in 2007. Not only was the location exceptional, with exciting activities, it was also fantastic to see the fruits of our labour over the previous 12 months.

My worst event moment: I managed an event for 200 at the Savoy with casino tables and games. It was scheduled to end at midnight. However, at 11.30pm the client insisted I extend the end time to 1am. The next 30 minutes were spent frantically negotiating with the venue, suppliers, croupiers and waiting staff.

Favourite venue: I am a massive armchair sports fan, so any event that involves a sporting venue excites me.

Dream incentive: The pan-EMEA incentive programme I have been running since 2007. It's great to have been involved in the programme from concept to reality, helping it grow over the past four years.

Goals before 40: To become a director of the company and to be an integral part in TBT achieving 20 years of continual growth and success. And to bring my two young children up without too many more sleepless nights.

 

RICHARD BROWN, 28

The Finishing Touch (Ex Events)

Account manager

Nominated for: "Richard is consistently evolving to provide exemplary service for clients and to grow his own skill set - from building strong relationships to overall delivery. He has been developing a key client for The Finishing Touch and is now set to project lead his first overseas conference in Hong Kong," says The Finishing Touch managing director Mel Atkins.

My best event moment: A local government event for 300 adults and children at the Lancaster London. It was chaired by children to show the success of several projects and, as you never know what a 12 year-old is going to say, the success at the end of the day was a relief.

My worst event moment: A two-day event during which the hotel underwent a management buyout and 65 per cent of the staff walked out on the second day. We had 80 delegates to manage between me and two of the client's team. I got two people from the agency to come down and it panned out very well considering - 95 per cent of the clients had no idea what was going on.

Favourite venue: The Langham in London. It's a beautiful venue and the bar has a great atmosphere. We also use 24 London at lot.

Dream incentive: I'm a football fan so it would be the World Cup in Brazil. I'd include a couple of games, restaurants and a visit to the markets.

Goals before 40: The successful transition between the Finishing Touch and Ex Events. I'd also love to work abroad at some point.

 

ANNA BOSANKO, 27

The Rouge Partnership

Event manager

Nominated for: "Anna's enthusiasm is infectious and her creative solutions for bringing brands to life excites our clients. She has brought her formidable talents to bear on experiential projects for clients such as Sky, Cartoon Network and Boomerang TV," says Nathan Homan, creative director of The Rouge Partnership.

My best event moment: After a long build-up for the Boomerang Pet Party last July, opening the gates and seeing the children, parents and pets stream through with smiles on their faces.

My worst event moment: Turning up in Cardiff a week before Christmas and finding it shut down because of the 30cm of snowfall. We were there for the Ben Ten Ultimate Alien Truck Tour, an experiential marketing campaign. We had to make the last-minute decision to postpone.

Favourite venue: The ones you build yourself as they are bespoke, and therefore more interesting, and you are in control from start to finish.

Dream incentive: Linking to my degree in anthropology, I would like to take a group to re-enact Darwin's trip to the Galapagos Islands on a replica of the Beagle to learn about the theory of natural selection.

Goals before 40: To produce a huge spectacle of an event that is seen globally and is talked about for years to come. And I'd like to have a cameo role in Glee.

 

JULIA JOHNSON, 25

Travel Management Group (TMG) Events

Account manager

Nominated for: "Julia's ability to learn from and question current practice has seen her star rapidly ascend and she secured a promotion to account manager earlier this year. A major highlight of 2010 was the management of a highly complex European event with 2,000 attendees for which she had just a ten-day lead time," says Sophie Moseley, operations director of TMG Events.

My best event moment: Managing my first ever event from start to finish, which was in Venice for 60 people. The personal satisfaction it gave me was wonderful.

My worst event moment: Running an event during the ash cloud crisis. We didn't know if it would go ahead until 3pm the day before travel.

Favourite venue: There are so many to choose from but a personal favourite of mine is the Palazzo Zenobio in Venice. It's a 16th-century building which has a beautiful Hall of Mirrors ballroom.

Dream incentive: To go to the Seychelles or Caribbean with a small group of 30-40 guests where the emphasis would be to relax and chill out; or an incentive trip to Bali and then a tour around Australia.

Goals before 40: I'd like to manage more events to long-haul destinations, for example, the Americas or Australasia. Personally, I'd like to travel to more of the world.

 

JAMES WALLINGFORD, 31

TRO

Account director

Nominated for: "James is enthusiastic, creative and a great team leader so has naturally progressed since joining TRO in 2005. Last year was a milestone year for James in which he became an account director, leader of the Nike Football and Lucozade teams and won the Air France-KLM account," says TRO managing director Keith O'Loughlin.

My best event moment: In 2007 we did a worldwide tour with Xbox 360 and five FHM 'honeys' for ten competition winners. We went to Japan, Australia and took part in activities including FBI training on a film set in the desert in LA. We ended up in Mexico on a private beach with three villas.

My worst event moment: We do test-drive events for Renault at roadshows across the country. One year we had a record number of people and the booking system crashed. We had to resort to whiteboards, manually dealing with thousands of people. It was horrible.

Favourite venue: I like the Roundhouse in London - it has a great music heritage.

Dream incentive: I think doing something at Ferrari World in Bahrain would be up there. It would be good to get motorsport stars involved and make that world come alive for delegates.

Goals before 40: To get into the Ironman World Championship, an endurance race in Hawaii. It involves a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a marathon. Professionally, I would like to be a board director of an experiential agency.

 

GRACE POLLOCK, 26

Venues Event Management

Project manager

Nominated for: Grace joined Venues Event Management in March 2007. Her first role at the agency was as client co-ordinator for a number of high-profile automotive accounts including Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai. A year ago she was promoted to project manager for one of the agency's largest accounts, BP.

My best event moment: The highlight of an incentive trip with 20 people to Las Vegas was landing by helicopter at the bottom of the Grand Canyon for breakfast.

My worst event moment: One of the most nerve-wracking was when we had organised camel rides during a Bedouin feast in Marrakech. One of the camels had a mind of its own and headed straight for the dinner table. Thankfully the handler got to him.

Favourite venue: Cybele Forest Lodge in South Africa and the Singapore Marina Bay Sands Hotel.

Dream incentive: A trip to Canada or Alaska. We could do whale watching, ice fishing and ski safaris. Churchill in Canada would be a great base for a week-long trip.

Goals before 40: To work towards a director's post within an event management company and, en route, to head up an event management division. And to work hard, play hard and travel the world.

 

IOANA JAGO, 31

W&O

Director of business development

Nominated for: "Ioana has been instrumental in the rebrand of W&O Events as well as the growth of our business. She showcased her skills on a recent communications campaign for Xerox for one of their incentives," says W&O Events operations director Sallie Coventry.

My best event moment: A samurai and geisha-themed party in Tokyo's Roppongi district for Nissan's pan-European journalists.

My worst event moment: Co-ordinating international arrivals in Tokyo, where the DMC was understaffed. It was completely chaotic.

Favourite venue: For a business event, Axica in Berlin is outstanding.

Dream incentive: Helicopter flights from nice to Monaco; sailing in Monte Carlo harbour; and a gala dinner with diamonds in Champagne flutes at Hotel Hermitage.

Goals before 40: For W&O to be the agency of choice for pharmaceutical companies.